The Derrick, October 13, 2007: John "Jack" Allen Beck, Knox William R. Burdette, 1120 Jackson Center-Polk Road, Stoneboro Earl Chalfant, Franklin Minnie Pearl Girt, 114 Lowry Drive, Franklin Robert Miller, Irwin Township, Venango County Garth B. Peacock, Oberlin, Ohio Evelyn L. Rex, Golden Living Center, Shippenville, formerly of Elmo John E. Runninger, 321 E. Third St., Oil City Walter Ray Shaffer, Pittsburgh Helen Madeline Martone Woodward, an Oil City native Getting it right - Donald Ray "Donny" Garris John 'Jack' Allen Beck John "Jack" Allen Beck, 66, of Knox Road, Knox, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, in the Clarion Hospital. Born July 26, 1941, in Beaver Township, Clarion County, he was the son of the late John Raymond Beck and Isabell Gibbons Beck. Mr. Beck was disabled, but prior to becoming disabled, he served as a security guard. He was married to Dorothy Ann Beck, who preceded him in death Jan. 11, 2007. Mr. Beck was a member of the Knox Volunteer Fire Dept., Knox Ambulance and the Knox Rod & Gun Club. Surviving are three step-sons, Weldon Ott and Robert Flowers of California and William "Bill" Gilbert Ott of Alabama; two daughters, Kathy King and Wanda Ann Wade of South Carolina; 10 step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Peggy Beck; and a half-brother, Francis E. Gibbons. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held at a later date. The Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion, is in charge of arrangements. William R. Burdette, 81, of 1120 Jackson Center-Polk Road, Stoneboro, died at 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, after a period of failing health, at home, surrounded by his family. Born July 25, 1926, in Mineral Township, Venango County, he was a son of Herbert L. and Cora I. Kilgore Burdett. Mr. Burdette was a 1944 graduate of Sandy Lake High School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. He served a four-year machinist apprenticeship with the Cooper-Bessemer and retired in 1981 from Cooper-Energy of Grove City after 32 years service as a machinist. He also operated a machine shop at home for many years. Mr. Burdette was on the Protestant faith. He loved music and was the last surviving member of the Rhythm Rangers country band that played throughout the region as well as on live radio. He also played with many other bands locally and for square dances, and was an accomplished musician on many instruments. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing and hunting. He was married Feb. 10, 1949, to the former Shirley J. Engles, who survives at home. Survivors also include a daughter, Mrs. Cecil (Sandra) Snyder of Corsica; a son, Steven D. Burdette and his wife, Doris, of Stoneboro; three grandchildren, Jesse Burdette of Stoneboro, Scott Wilkinson of Brookville and Mrs. Robert (Gina) Theiss of Bloomsburg; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William R. "Billy" Burdette Jr.; two sisters, Esther Weaver and Louella Hamler; and a brother, Charles Lloyd Burdett. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Scott A. Black Funeral Home, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. Kenton Shaw, minister of visitation at the Wayside Community Church in Mercer. Interment and a committal service will be held at the Hendersonville Cemetery, in the Village of Hendersonville in Worth Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wayside Community Church, 81 Hartwick Road, Mercer, 16137. Earl Chalfant, 84, of The Caring Place, Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Born Jan. 23, 1923, in Knob Noster, Mo., he was the son of William Harold and Myrtle Madge Chalfant. He was a graduate of Knob Noster High School, attended God's Bible School and Greenville College for one year each then entered the U.S. Army. He served as a cryptographer in the Signal Corps during World War II in the China-Burma-India Theater from 1943 to 1945. After the war ended, he returned home and attended Clarion State Teacher's College, earning a bachelor of science degree in education. He later completed his master's of education and doctorate of education degrees from Penn State University. Beginning his teaching career at the Valley Grove School District as an elementary teacher, Mr. Chalfant went on to become a principal in the district then an elementary supervisor. After 16 years with the district, he completed his doctoral work and accepted a position as professor at Clarion State College, now Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He enjoyed supervising student teachers and working with their cooperating teachers in many surrounding school districts for 16 years until his retirement in 1982. Mr. Chalfant was a member of the Franklin Free Methodist Church until 1966, then the First United Methodist Church in Brookville. He was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club of Franklin for many years as well as the Oil City Motorcycle Club. He was a "jack of many trades," including enjoyed photography, mechanics and woodworking. He was an avid reader and loved to converse with people from all walks of life. He delighted in travel, antiques, the peace and quiet of his home in the country and nature. He strove to be a man of honest reputation with integrity in all he did. The passion of Mr. Chalfant's life was the restoration of antique Indian motorcycles. He was a nationally recognized expert restorer. He owned a 1938 Indian Four from 1952 until the present and restored many engines for others. Mr. Chalfant was the inventor of a special clutch for Indian Fours for which he was nationally recognized and which he produced and sold. He was the president of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America for one year and served as editor of the club's magazine for four years. He actively attended AMCA meetings around the country for many years. He traded an Indian chief to Steve McQueen for an antique Vincent motorcycle. He collected stationary steam engines, enjoying the Hit and Miss Club meetings in Coolspring. On Dec. 22, 1947, he married Wavia Alma Smeal. She preceded him in death on Sept. 5, 2005. He said of her in recent months that she was the perfect wife for him, and he missed her very much. Mr. Chalfant is survived by two daughters, Karen Denise Chalfant Hogrefe of Greenwood, Ind. and Rita June Chalfant Joyce of Oil City. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Sarah Michelle Joyce of Pittsburgh, Luke Patrick Joyce and his wife Stephanie of Michigan, Nicholas Earl Joyce, a student at Kent State University in Ohio, and Lauren Nancy Joyce of Oil City. Also surviving are two siblings, Marvin Chalfant and his wife, Norma, of Illinois and Thelma Chalfant of Missouri and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. Viewing was held Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 at the McKinney Funeral Home in Brookville. The Rev. Philip Chalfant, nephew of Mr. Chalfant, officiated the committal service at the Brookville Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at the First United Methodist Church in Brookville. The family invites that who knew Mr. Chalfant to share stories in remembrance of him. The family suggests memorials be sent to The Caring Place, 301 N. 13th St., Franklin. Minnie Pearl Girt, 71, of 114 Lowry Drive, Franklin, died at 7:10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, in the Meadville Medical Center. Born in Barrs Corners, Rockland Township on June 2, 1936, she was a daughter of Cleo and Leona Simpson Stroup. She graduated from Titusville High School. Mrs. Girt was a homemaker and enjoyed volunteering and cooking for various youth groups including scouts and 4-H. On Sept. 27, 1957, she was married to Melvin L. Girt, who preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 1985. Surviving are a daughter, Gladys DeLong and her husband Michael, a granddaughter, Joane "J.P." Beach and her husband, David, a grandson, Jon DeLong, a great grandson, Dawson Beach, all of Franklin, and a faithful friend, Fancy. Other survivors include a faithful crochet needle and handmade afghans throughout the country. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Bill Maher of the Christ Community Church, Oil City, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to the Venango County Humane Society, Deep Hollow Road, Franklin, or the Pulmonary Hypertension Assoc., 801 Roeder Road, Suite 400, Silver Spring, Md., 20910. Robert Miller, 80, of Irwin Township, Venango County, died at 8:35 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca, following an extended illness. Born Aug. 27, 1927, in Grove City, he was a son of Samuel and Ethel Dykstra Miller. A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Army Air Force. Mr. Miller retired in 1989 from Cooper Energy Services, where he was a machinist for 39 1/2 years. Prior to that he worked as a farmer for different farms. He was a member of the Barkeyville United Methodist Church in Barkeyville. Mr. Miller was a Boy Scout leader of Troop 127 of Barkeyville for many years and served as president of the Barkeyville Cemetery Association. He was married Dec. 15, 1947, to the former Eleanora M. Robinson, who survives. Survivors also include four children, Charlotte Gengler and her husband, Richard, of Canfield, Ohio, Robert M. "Mike" Miller of Grove City, Gregory L. Miller of Irwin Township, Venango County, and Col. Christopher L. Miller of Stuttgart, Germany; two grandchildren, Robert Samuel Miller and Marcia L. Miller; and one great-grandchild, Kaiden Daniel Miller. Also surviving are two brothers, John Miller and his wife, Mary Lou, and Donald Miller and his wife, Helen, all of Grove City, In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Winger and Katherine Keck; and three brothers, William, George and Joseph Miller. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Cunningham Funeral Home, 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Barkeyville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Stephanie Thompson, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will be in Barkeyville Cemetery, Barkeyville. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Barkeyville United Methodist Church building fund, 5420 Pittsburgh Road, Barkeyville, 16038. Garth B. Peacock, 79, father of an Oil City resident, died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin, Ohio. Born June 26, 1928, in Protection, Kan., he was a son of the late Jack and Gladys Peacock. A veteran of the Korean War, he served with the U.S. Army. He received his bachelor's degree in music in 1951 and his master's of music in 1955 from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He taught at Southwestern College and Knox College and then was professor of organ at Oberlin College from 1959 until his retirement in 1991. He was a beloved teacher and accomplished organist and served as an organist choir director at several churches. He was a member of Christ Church, Episcopal in Oberlin and had volunteered at Eastwood Elementary and Allen Medical Center. Surviving are five children, Linda Pierce of Troy, Mich., Elaine Armstrong of Oil City, Ross Peacock of Oberlin, Laura Cotton of Elyria, Ohio, and Mark Peacock of Hilliard, Ohio. Survivors also include 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and a sister, Jackie Jakubowski of Tulsa, Okla. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jean L. in 2006; and a grandson, Garth Alexander. A private burial was conducted Oct. 11 and a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ Church, Epsicopal, South Main Street, Oberlin, with the Rev. Brian K, Wilbert officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church, Episcopal, South Main Street, Oberlin, or the Oberlin Conservatory of Music Organ Department, Department of Development, 50 W. Lorain St., Oberlin, Ohio 44074. Evelyn L. Rex, 77, of Golden Living Center, Shippenville, formerly of Elmo, died at 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at the Golden Living Center. Born March 19, 1930, in Reidsburg, Clarion County, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Howe Deitz. Mrs. Rex graduated from Ashland High School. She was a homemaker and with her husband ran Rex's Grocery Store in Elmo for 35 years. She attended Trinity Evangelical Church in Fern. Mrs. Rex was devoted to her family. She was married on Sept. 6, 1949, to Paul W. Rex, who preceded her in death in 2004. Surviving are a daughter, Carol Black and her husband, Bill, of Cranberry RD; three sons, Dave Rex and companion, Lori Condon, of Elmo, Gary Rex and his wife, Rhonda, of Helen Furnace and Rick Rex and his wife, Chris, of State College. Survivors also include 11 grandchildren, Ben Black and his wife, Carol, Jake Black and his wife, Leigh, Becky Patsy, Ashley Rex and Joey Rex, all of Elmo, Brady Rex and his wife, Jessica, of Ridgeway, Andy Rex and his wife, Jamie, of New Bethlehem, Luke Rex and his wife, Jessica, of Greenville, and Taylor Rex, Tanner Rex and Halle Rex, all of State College. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, Samantha Black, Sarah Black, Corra Black, Bella Black, Cole Patsy, Cody Patsy and Jared Rex; a daughter-in-law, Barb Rex of Elmo; two sisters, Ruth Rex of Polk and Betty Wagner and her husband, John, of Venus; a brother, Ronald "Pug" Deitz of Bradford; a sister-in-law, Eleanor Kurtzhals of Shippenville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Rex was preceded in death by six sisters, Margaret Wagner, Clara Saylor, Edna Stefanko, Ida Deitz, Mary Clark and Laura Cochran; and six brothers, Willis Deitz, Charles Deitz, Albert Deitz, John Deitz, Louie Deitz and Elmer "Tub" Deitz. Friends may call from noon to 2 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the David C. McEntire Funeral Home, 504 E. Penn St., Knox, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the Fern Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church in Fern. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Mark Micklos, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Knox Public Library, Knox, 16232, or to the Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 699 Golf Course Road, Cranberry, 16319. John E. Runninger John E. Runninger, 65, of 321 E. Third St., Oil City, died at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, in his home. The Morrison Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will be published Monday. Walter Ray Shaffer Jr. Walter Ray Shaffer, 65, of Pittsburgh, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. He was the son of the late Walter and Rose Shaffer. He is survived by his wife, Ruth and two daughters, Diane Shaffer and Debbie Clark and her husband, Andy; and six step-children, Dan Wright and his wife, Paula, Denise Fox and her husband, Kevin, Donna O'Leary and her husband, Cliff, Mary Ann Wright, Beth Fulmer and her husband, Bo, and Vivian Seaman and her husband, Duane; 21 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include four brothers, Ron, and his wife, Sue, Roy, Roger and his wife, Kevan, and Randy and his wife, Darlene, Shaffer; and a step-brother and his wife, Harvey and Gloria Stroop. He was preceded in death by a son, Duane Shaffer. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Robert P. Karish Funeral Home, Brinton Road and Fourth Street, Braddock Hills, (412) 271-3430. A blessing service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Helen Madeline Martone Woodward Helen Madeline (Martone) Woodward, 83, passed away on Thursday, Oct 4, 2007, with her family by her side. Born in Oil City, she was a daughter of late Anthony and Louise Martone. She was educated in Oil City, graduating in 1942, and was a communicant of Our Lady Help of Christian Church. She married Frederick "Whitey" Woodward in 1947, and they settled in California that same year. They remained in California for more than 60 years, living in Southern California then retiring to Nevada City and Grass Valley in the late 1970s. Mrs. Woodward was an avid antique collector in her earlier years; she also enjoyed reading and travel. One of the most memorable events in her life was a trip to Italy with her sister, brother-in-law and brother to visit the homeland and family of her parents. Surviving are a daughter, Linda Willey and her husband, Bert, of South Hadley, Mass.; a, son, John Woodward and his wife, Jan Fried Woodward, of Honolulu, Hawaii; two sisters, Louise Sobina and Arlene Topping of Oil City; a brother, Joseph Martone and his wife, Pat, of Erie; two grandchildren, Miles and Misha Woodward; a great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1996. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Josephine Miller, and brothers, Anthony and Peter Martone. A private graveside ceremony will be held in Meadville. The family suggests memorial donations be made to a local hospice. Getting it right - Donald Ray "Donny" Garris Donald Ray "Donny" Garris, 73, of Lexington, Ky., who grew up in Knox, died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. Mr. Garris served in the U.S. Army and with the National Guard and received the Good Conduct Medal.